A crumbling promenade is to be shut for months while vital work takes place to stop a sea wall collapsing.

Fears are growing over the safety of the promenade at Whitley Bay, which has fallen into disrepair following years of neglect.

In its heyday the promenade would be full of tourists as thousands flocked to Tyneside for their holidays.

Now, along with the Spanish City area of the town, the 85-year-old structure is in desperate need of repair.

North Tyneside Council's cabinet member for environment Coun Dave McGarr said: This work is necessary to extend the life of the promenade and protect the footway and retail units.

"It is important that the work is carried out now to complement the ongoing regeneration of Whitley Bay."

An estimated £500,000 is to be spent on repairing the central promenade on Whitley Bay seafront.

The scheme, which will safeguard the sea wall, is scheduled to take place over the autumn. It has been agreed by North Tyneside Council's cabinet.

The proposed scheme involves reinforcing the outer wall which will extend the life of this part of the structure for up to 60 years and will help to protect the whole of the remaining structure.

Consultation will take place with residents and other stakeholders. Funding has been secured through the Local Transport Plan.

The project is separate from the wider regeneration plans for the Spanish City area of Whitley Bay.

The council has also agreed to spend £1.4m on the second phase of a scheme to stabilise the bankside at Clive Street in North Shields.

The first part of the project was carried out as a matter of urgency 18 months ago when slippage was revealed in the midsection of the banks. The area was stripped of vegetation and steel "soil nails" inserted into the bankside.

At the time it was agreed that the remainder of the slopes would be investigated and a report shows work is needed to ensure their safety.

Monitoring will continue to be carried out while detailed proposals, including landscaping of the whole embankment are drawn up. Work is expected to start in January next year to avoid disruption to wildlife.

Elected Mayor John Harrison said: "Obviously public safety has to be the prime consideration, and by doing the work now we can be sure the slopes will continue to be safe for decades to come. But the second issue is making sure local people are happy with how the bankside looks."